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Eight years ago we set out to improve Michigan through unbiased, nonprofit journalism. We are still here and still adding reporters thanks in large part to our members. If you appreciate our nonpartisan approach, please become a Bridge Club member. We have five members-only events this fall around the state, including a MSU vs. Michigan football tailgate in Ann Arbor on November 16. Join us!

Campaign 2014: Truth Squad's 10 worst ads, No. 7

How we make the call

Truth Squad assigns five ratings to the political statements we review, in descending levels of accuracy:

Accurate

No factual inaccuracies in the statement and no important information is missing

Mostly accurate

While the statement is largely accurate, it omits or exaggerates facts, or needs some clarification

Half accurate

Truths are interspersed with mistruths, or the speaker left out significant facts that render his/her remarks misleading in important respects

Mostly inaccurate

The major point or points made are untrue or misleading, even while some aspects of the claim may be accurate

False

The statement is false, or based on false underlying facts

Not every flagrant-fouling ad is painful to watch. In fact, we chuckled at the cartoony corporate fat cats in this Michigan Education Association-produced video about Gov. Rick Snyder's cuts to education funding in the state. But it didn't change the erroneous factual assertions that Snyder "rewarded CEOs with 'big bonuses,'" which went beyond hyperbole and into the realm of cynical, pandering fiction.

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We are a nonprofit Michigan news site focused on issues that impact all citizens. In an era of click bait and biased news, we focus on taking the time to learn both sides of a story before we post it. Bridge stories are always free, but our work costs money. If our journalism helps you understand and love Michigan more, please consider supporting our work. It takes just a moment to donate here.